The news: Thomas Cook India's CFO Brijesh Modi announced that holiday business forward bookings rose 30% year-on-year, even as geopolitical disruptions and rising travel costs pressure margins. The company is responding by focusing on cost management, procurement efficiencies, and automation to protect profitability rather than compete on price.
Why it matters for MICE operators: The 30% booking surge signals strong post-pandemic demand for incentive travel in India—a key segment for DMCs and PCOs. Thomas Cook's strategy of margin protection over discounting shows the market is moving away from race-to-bottom pricing. This creates opportunities for premium-positioned operators who invest in digital tools and streamlined operations. Rising travel costs are factored into client budgets, meaning clients expect efficiency and value rather than cheaper rates. Automation investments also hint at where larger operators are directing resources—a signal for smaller firms to consider.
The takeaway: Build your digital booking and cost-tracking capabilities now; clients expect seamless processes and transparent pricing.
Source: ET HospitalityWorld
MiceStack is the AI-native operations platform for Indian MICE operators — pipeline, quotations, run sheets, and GST invoicing in one system.